Who needs reality TV when you have Rushtok?

Rush in the age of social media.

I am embarrassed to say that I have been completely sucked into Albama “Rushtok”…3 years in a row.

A friend convinced me to get TikTok 3 years ago when Bama “rushtok” was just getting started. And let me tell you, its wild, it’s over the top, it’s better than any reality TV show. Because this is REAL life. And we are seeing it all going down live, from a PNM (Potential New Member) and active house member perspective.

The entire time I am watching this, I can’t help but think:

I am SO glad I didn’t have social media during college!

If you have followed, you know of Kylan Darnell. She was the breakout star of Rushtok. Every GRWM for rush video started with “I hope you are having a great day, not just a good day.” She’s a former beauty queen, blonde extensions, with doe eyes, barbie-esque hair, and pageant makeup.

Her over-the-top outfits (gucci shorts + gucci sneakers) catapulted her to fast fame on Tik ok. Currently, she boasts almost a million followers on tiktok. She has a constant flow of PR packages, brand deals, and brand trips. I imagine this is extremely enviable as an impressionable girl heading off to college.

Soon after, girls with similar aspirations followed suit.

The girls of “Bama” rush were sharing not only their outfits, but the recap of their days, full dorm tours, and the ins and outs of college life.

Last year, a young woman now known as “Bama Morgan” rushed and got cut halfway through. She wasn’t your “typical” PNM. Not falling into the category of hot-rolled hair, makeup, and Loveshack Fancy on repeat. Everyone was devastated that she got cut. This year she came back (as a Junior) and put herself through the grueling process, AGAIN. This time with a social media agency (or so we think), polished makeup, curled hair, and a lot of PR deals. Unfortunately today she got cut. Her video on TikTok seemed unbothered and lacked in any emotion compared to last year’s devastation.

It’s hard to tell if that was just a big PR stunt on her behalf, or if it was genuine. The jury is out on that one!

I got completely sucked in. And I am definitely not the only middle-aged woman who has found this to be a guilty pleasure.

I think this content is so appealing to women of all ages for a few reasons.

1. It is an interesting study of our culture. Watching it makes me realize the South is different from anything I have ever experienced.

2. For some, college was our glory days. It is 4 years of our lives that bring back very fond memories. Youth, sisterhood, parties, game day, boys, wild nights, not a care in the world! Wouldn’t we all like to go back just for a week :)

And lastly, this particular age + freedom of responsibility is enviable. Outside of getting to class and getting good grades to graduate, there were not many responsibilities. It is a bit nostalgic, and fun to “live vicariously” through the girls of TikTok rush.

Some may say its creepy, or weird. And some do take it a little too far, getting highly invested in the “stars” of Bama Rush.

But I see it as a reminder of our youth, a fleeting time!

If you haven’t dove in YET, here is a warning. It is addicting. It ensues mindless scrolling, which we all know is a major time suck!

But it is entertaining, and a good way to get a glimpse at greek life at different schools. Oklahoma made a big splash this year during “rushtok”. I have been seeing a lot of Georgia, Georgia Southern, Arkansas, and this year, for the first time Mizzou!

Dying to hear what you all think. If anyone is tuning in, what are your thoughts?